Get this look: Black & white chic

If there ever was a color palette that has stayed in style, it’s black and white. Cutting-edge yet classic, black and white can fit in a traditional, modern or contemporary space.

“A kitchen looks crisp and timeless, a bedroom glamorous and luxurious,” said Jessica Lagrange, principal at Jessica Lagrange Interiors. “It never matters if the colors [black and white] are used in moderation or executed lavishly; they always work together to create powerful spaces.”

The bedroom

Black and white is a perfect neutral palette for a bedroom and can be used to create a modern or traditional setting.

Graphic pillows are piled onto the bed in this image contributed by designer Kathryn Marsh.

A mix of graphic prints on pillows and bedding — paired with black furniture and sleek chrome light fixtures — creates a sleek and modern bedroom. Rounded pillows and a solid white duvet, just edged in black, give the room the softness it needs.

“It’s all about layers,” said Lagrange. “Interest lies in mixing patterns and prints. A well-designed space employs a range of scales, whether patterns or solids.”

The black in the bedroom pictured above is applied sparingly to create a traditional suite. The wall is papered with a diamond black-and-white pattern, which contrasts against the geometric patterned pillows. Red lampshades give the room a touch of glamour.

The kitchen

With not a lot of room for accessories or big furniture, the design elements in a kitchen come mainly through color choices for cabinets and flooring.

Cabinets and countertops are an easy swap in a kitchen, and black and white can create the right level of contrast. The kitchen pictured above features white-marble counters and black-painted cabinetry with sleek hardware.

Living room

As previously mentioned, a black and white room can be contemporary or classic.

“The key,” said Lagrange, “is careful placement — making the room come alive. Doses of warm and cool as well as interjection of shapes, patterns and textures work to provide a space with depth and contrast.”

An all-white living room gets chic with punches of black. Room by Urrutia Design.

Different black and white patterns keep an all-white space from looking bland. Graphic designs and minimal furnishings will create a more contemporary look.

Black and white goes traditional in a room with a glossy black piano and brass accents. Design by CBI Design Professionals.